1797 P Draped Bust Large Cents : All Varieties

Early Copper Penny

What this coin looks like (obverse, reverse, mint mark location, special features, etc.):There are a few major varieties of the 1797 Draped Bust Large Cent (Penny). Two varieties feature the reverse of 1797 design on the back of the coin. This design features exactly 16 leaves on the left branch and 19 leaves on the right branch. On the top of the right branch is two leaves (double leaf). The other two major varieties feature the reverse of 1795 which features between 17-21 leaves on the left branch and 16-20 leaves on the right branch - with exactly one single leave at the top of the right branch which greatly distinguishes it from the 1797 design. The differences between the 1795 reverse vs 1797 reverse are depicted above in the example image.

The two varieties which bear the 1797 reverse can be identified by observing the stems at the bottom of the branch. One variety has the two stems while the other variety has no stems (stemless wreath). The differences between the two are depicted below in the example comparison image:

The two varieties which bear the 1795 reverse can be identified by viewing the edge of the coin. One has a smooth plain edge while the other has a gripped edge with notches or grooves in the edge. Below is an example image of what the gripped edge would look like: